STATEMENT

Sudan Caucus Statement on Refugee Camp bombing

November 10, 2011

We have received credible reports that over the last two days, Sudanese Armed Forces bombed refugee camps just over the international border in South Sudan. This appalling escalation of the Government of Sudanís assault on the people of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile is unacceptable and must be met with a swift international response. Refugees fleeing this conflict in Sudan had every reason to expect a basic level of personal safety once they reached the refugee camps in South Sudan often after a long, arduous journey. The Government of Sudanís assault on civilian populations within its own borders is deplorable, and this latest provocation escalates matters even further. Khartoum cannot be allowed to bring this attack across international borders and risk reigniting a war that savaged the Sudanese people for decades.

As co-chairs of the Sudan Caucus, we abhor the actions of the Government of Sudan and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We further appeal to the Obama Administration and our international partners to hold Sudan to account and ensure justice for the refugees of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.